NCJ Number
14233
Date Published
1974
Length
315 pages
Annotation
PRESENTS THE METHODS, PERSONALITY, LANGUAGE, AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUBCULTURE OF THE CON MAN.
Abstract
USING A DRAMA FORMAT WITH FULL CAST OF CHARACTERS, THE MAJOR CON GAMES ARE DESCRIBED. ACTING ABILITY, CHARM, INTELLIGENCE, SELF-CONFIDENCE, PERSISTENCE, AND SENSITIVITY TO THE MOTIVES AND PATTERNS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR ARE DISCUSSED AS THE CENTRAL INGREDIENTS OF A CON MAN'S PERSONALITY. INTERACTION WITH PERSONS AND LIFESTYLES THAT SURVIVE AND THRIVE ON CHEATING IS CONSIDERED THE SOCIAL SPAWNING GROUND OF CON MEN. THE FIX IS DISCUSSED AS THE PRINCIPAL PROTECTION THAT INSULATES THE CON MAN FROM ARREST AND CONVICTION. AN EXTENSIVE GLOSSARY OF WORDS USED IN THE CON SUBCULTURE IS INCLUDED.